Big-5 flexes and Smokey horizons
The month of August has been dominated by flames and smoke. The reserve conducted extensive controlled veld burns across the central to eastern regions. These annual block burns are incredibly important to the vegetative health of the reserve and the progression stages of grasses. Within days, we have seen new green shoots coming through and these are attracting selective grazers and interesting birds into these spaces. With rain on its way soon, our reserve is sure to transform into a green wonderland before you know it.
It’s no surprise to anyone that the weather has been a little peculiar this year. In the second
week of the month our country experienced extremely cold conditions across eight of the nine provinces and we were wondering if any snow would end up falling on the reserve. It seemed to be snowing all around us, and while conditions on Nambiti were icy and wet, the snow stayed away. It was really awesome to look across at the Drakensberg mountains and see them covered in white snow for a few days. It is also interesting to mention that we haven’t really experienced the blustery winds associated with August, but they may just be delayed a few weeks. You never know.
Our nation celebrated Women’s Day on the 9th of August, but it was the male lions that stole the show on game drive. We responded to an established lion sighting where the two new male lions had been found and it was reported that there were some intense vocalisations echoing across the plains in the northeast. As we made our way into the area, we happened upon our dominant male. He was highly mobile, visibly distressed and physical injuries were showing on his body. Coming from east of his location were the younger males, and they were on a serious mission to catch up with the king. We stayed to observe as much as we could before making space for other guides to come in and share in the experience, but after stopping for coffee at the waterfall the radio updates confirmed that they were still hot on his heels. I asked for another standby, but by the time we got to their location the big male had made his escape and the warming temperatures had forced the younger males into the shade for the rest of the morning. Two days later, the new males were called in on the road below our lodge. They had taken down a kudu for breakfast but were now more interested in territorial activities and the southern lionesses who were in the vicinity. At this time we observed that the lionesses were not in the least interested in the younger lions and actually made every effort to avoid them. Then, just two weeks later, the southern lionesses and the coalition of new males were found together on Ziggy north corner. They were out in the open and it was clear that the moves had been made and the transfer of power was firmly underway.
The Big-5 flexes continued into the third week. I was exploring some of the burnt sections of the reserve one afternoon when a leopard was called in at the bottom of Den Road. On this specific afternoon, I turned to my guests and filled them in on what I had heard over the radio. The decision was unanimous, we were throwing caution to the wind and finding the fastest route to the rosetted pot of gold. Once we were within range I called for a standby and within 30 minutes we were sitting with a male leopard. The visuals were not perfect as he was hidden behind a guarrie bush on a rocky ledge, but the experience was very rewarding! All three of the Umzolozolo guides out on drive responded to the sighting and it was the talk of the town when we returned to the lodge in the evening!
Our elephant herd has been quite mobile between the central and southern regions. They, like other herbivores, have been drawn into the recently burnt areas to investigate the ash and lingering scents as they assess what has changed. They may even be seeking out charcoal, which can provide minerals and help neutralise natural toxins from some of the plants they eat. It is an impressive sight to watch the grey giants moving swiftly through the ash, and it offers excellent photographic opportunities. Our newest member of the herd is now eight months old and full of sass. He is a popular tourist attraction and his curious nature and feisty character make for great entertainment!
In June this year, guests at Umzolozolo participated in a black rhino dehorning event. The bull that we dehorned featured in one of the most amazing black rhino sightings we have ever experienced on the reserve. More in terms of quality time and opportunity for sharing knowledge about these infamous creatures than anything extraordinary. As many of our guests know, we don’t call any sightings of rhinos in on the radio, so if you don’t drive in the right areas at the exact right time, you usually miss them. As luck would have it, this sighting was a busy one because he popped up close to the elephant herd. Guides that were on standby for the elephants had the privilege of sitting with the black rhino! August was actually a fantastic month for black rhino sightings, I logged 10 separate encounters, including a very special moment with Torpedo and her calf.
It hasn’t only been about the main characters this month! We have experienced big dazzles of zebras in the open grasslands as they graze the new shoots, and when the light shines from behind them it presents you with magnificent photo opportunities. I shared an incredibly unique sighting of a serval with my guests recently which lasted over 30 minutes as we tracked her through the grasses, over the road and into the block. She was on the hunt for dinner and while she was acutely aware of us at all times, she was quite relaxed. On the open plains we have spotted the breeding herd of eland with new calves and quite a few zebra foals moving around in those areas. In the wooded savanna we have seen a couple of new giraffe calves and there is a very young square-lipped rhino calf giving everyone good vibes.
I cannot, in good conscience, not give a quick update on our spotted treasures. The cheetah brothers took down an eland calf towards the end of the month and it was in an open area quite close to the road. They have spent quite a lot of time in the southern and central regions of their territory this month while expertly avoiding all of the big cat drama along the way. Meanwhile, our two cheetah cubs have blessed us with frequent sightings of their high-speed training sessions. Mom looks on as they chase one another through the reeds and the longer grasses, but she also joins in the activities every now and again. They are almost a year old now and are looking more confident with each passing day. We watched them stalking and chasing Helmeted Guineafowls one morning which was both informative and captivating.
The change of season brings with it a change of feathered friends and changes in our sedentary birds as well. The Long-tailed Widowbirds are moving into their eclipse plumage as their tail feathers elongate and their feathers blacken. We have logged a few migratory species already, namely Red-breasted Swallows, Black Kites and Wahlberg’s Eagle. Field Guide Promise reported a Senegal Lapwing a few days ago that was foraging in the firebreak on the western boundary, and I have noticed an increase in Quailfinch and Orange-breasted Waxbills in the same area. Within the next couple of weeks we are expecting to start hearing a few cuckoos, and to possibly see some Temminck’s Courser and the Grey-crowned Cranes!
As the seasons begin to change, we are reminded that windy conditions lie ahead with the
possibility of Spring rains and some cold fronts. Our morning game drives begin at 06:00 and the sunset drives are now beginning at 15:30. Please don’t forget to bring your own bottles with you to help us reduce plastic and paper waste.